Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance, has returned to court after allegedly committing a further offence in prison.
The 48-year-old convicted paedophile faces up to another year behind bars if found guilty of his crime - and is currently serving a seven-year sentence for rape, with a release pencilled in for February 2026.
But new charges could extend Brueckner's detention, potentially giving prosecutors crucial additional time to build a case against him regarding Madeleine's disappearance 18 years ago.
Brueckner was named as the prime suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in June 2020GETTYLehrte District Court heard that Brueckner allegedly branded jail staff "a laughing stock" during a meeting to discuss his possible transfer from solitary confinement.
Witnesses described his behaviour as "provocative" during the March 2024 incident.
He reportedly accused guards of "torturing" him and treating him "inhumanely" during the outburst.
The court was told Brueckner later wrote an apology letter to the guards, claiming he had "woken up on the wrong side of the bed".
Under German law, insulting prison officials is a criminal offence.
LATEST ON CHRISTIAN BRUECKNER:
Christian Brueckner had branded prison guards 'a laughing stock' - which is a criminal offence in Germany
GETTYBrueckner arrived at court shortly after 9am today (8am BST) in an unmarked prison van.
He appeared more relaxed than in previous court appearances, wearing a grey jacket, t-shirt, trousers and black shoes.
He spoke only to confirm his name and nationality, leaving all other questions to his lawyer.
Prosecutors investigating Madeleine's disappearance have previously admitted that the "clock is ticking" after Brueckner was cleared of unrelated sex crimes last year.
An extended sentence would give investigators valuable "breathing space" to build their case.
Brueckner was named as the prime suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in 2020, approximately 13 years after the young girl vanished.
MORE ON MADELEINE MCCANN:
Prosecutors looking for Madeleine had previously admitted that the 'clock is ticking' after Brueckner was cleared of unrelated sex crimes last year
PAThese items were hidden in a disused factory he purchased for about £20,000 in 2008, just a year after Madeleine disappeared.
Investigators also found a sat-nav showing he had spent time at a remote Algarve reservoir that was later searched by dive teams.
The factory initially caught police attention when a dog discovered Brueckner's dead pet, but officers also found USB sticks and memory cards containing concerning material.
Brueckner was living in an isolated farmhouse in Praia da Luz when three-year-old Madeleine vanished in May 2007.
Last October, he was cleared of unrelated sex crimes allegedly committed in Portugal, though prosecutors have appealed.
